Social enterprises — companies which hope to have a social impact and at the same time make a profit — are becoming a new asset class for pioneer investors who are more ethically-minded, especially after the financial crisis.

Investors looking for variation from stocks, bonds and currencies could try investing in good wine, which has provided good returns over long periods of time, but should beware of unprofessional advice in the area.

As we approach the anniversary of some of the most cataclysmic failures in our economic history, we appear to be in perhaps no better position to manage the failure of an investment bank, a hedge fund or an insurance company than we were before.

The recovery in general is spotty. I believe it is underway, but "less-bad" news is losing its ability to inspire stock-buyers. The recession is over, in my mind, but the nature of the recovery is still to be determined.

The Fed plans to release results of the stress test on May 4. Nobody is going to "fail" the test, but some may need capital, private or otherwise. There should also be some word as to how much capital would be needed.

The last horrendous bear market we suffered through anywhere near the intensity of this one was 1974. Then the S&P index stayed below its 200 day average for all of 35 days. I didn't check all the possible data points but I believe this extended slump rivals anything on record. Maybe the market has discounted all the bad news. The times they might be 'a changing (I hope !!!).